Scuba diving has become one of the most popular recreational activities in the world, and who can blame people from getting excited about it?  Whether you like exploring a vibrant new underwater world, spending time with marine wildlife or even catching glimpses of the past in shipwrecks and sunken ruins, scuba diving certainly has something for everyone.  Of course, what would scuba diving be without the right diving spots?  But with so many diving locations to choose from, each with their own unique flavor, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding which ones are the best places to scuba dive.

So, to help you choose the location for your next scuba diving holiday, we’ve listed some of the best countries in the world for scuba diving.

1. Thailand

Aside from its phenomenal cuisine and its unique culture, Thailand offers some of the best places to scuba dive in Southeast Asia, with Phuket, the Surin Islands and Ko Tao just to name a few. Also known as the “Land of Smiles”, it has two major bodies of water that you can explore, each with their own collection of diving locations.

Thailand is flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the east, where you will find Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, and the Andaman Sea to the west, where Phuket and the Similan Islands are located.  This country has a good collection of reefs, walls, drop-offs, cave systems and large marine animals, including a large variety of shark species, rays and even the elusive whale shark.

Source: Scuba diving in the Similan Islands, Thailand

2. Malaysia

One of the best places to scuba dive if you’re new to the hobby is Malaysia.  What makes Malaysia a special place for novice divers is the fact that the waters here are very calm, especially on the east coast, where you will find the islands of Redang, Tioman, Tenggol and Lang Tenga.

Scuba diving in Peninsular Malaysia is also very rewarding if you like swimming with wildlife.  One island in particular, Sipadan, is always bustling with activity, with its many bright corals acting as homes to hundreds of fish species.  Aside from Sipadan, many of the islands in Eastern Malaysia are frequented by other animals, different species of sea turtles in particular, including the endangered Leatherback Turtle.  Layang-Layang Island is also a great place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of sharks, including reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and leopard sharks.

Source: Diving Magnificent Malaysia 🐟

3. Australia

From sheer diversity alone, Australia is one of the best places to scuba dive, thanks to its large assortment of diving environments available.  Each of Australia’s six territories offer a unique experience you certainly need to explore at least once, from the giant kelp forests in the south, to the bright coral reefs in the north.  Australia also has a good assortment of shipwrecks if such a thing is your fancy.

One of Australia’s biggest attractions is the Great Barrier Reef, a reef structure that holds the distinction of being the world’s largest.  The reef itself is so massive, that it can be seen from space, and as such, a large place like this is home to hundreds of thousands of species you’ll get the chance to swim with.  It’s certainly a magical place.

Source: Scuba Diving in Australia

4. Hawaii

Between the abundance of marine wildlife and the large collection of lava tubes you can swim through, Hawaii is certainly a great place to go diving in.  Since it’s such a remote archipelago, there’s always something going on underneath the waves in Hawaii.  The accessibility here is also phenomenal, thanks to the hundreds of dive operators available.

The reefs and the wildlife are also protected here, which means there’s no shortage of animals for you to swim with.  The northern parts of the island chain is home to the largest marine reserve in the United States, where it’s common to see manta rays, sea turtles, seals, and even humpback whales if you’re lucky.  It’s certainly one of the best places to scuba in United States if you love diving with wildlife.

Source: Scuba Diving in Hawaii

5. Indonesia

With more than 13,400 islands, Indonesia is home to 25% of the world’s fish species and 15% of the coral, making it a veritable epicenter of biodiversity.  This country in Southeast Asia is one of the best places to scuba dive for the sheer variety of marine wildlife available here and is certainly a diver’s paradise.  The Gili Islands in particular offer a great backdrop to any of your dives, and the best part is that staying here is way cheaper than its neighboring region, Bali.

Indonesia has thousands of dive spots available, each with something unique to offer, including many beautiful night diving locations.  True to being a center of marine biodiversity, whichever dive spot you choose in this country, there won’t be any shortage of fishes and other marine life.

Source: Diving Incredible Indonesia 🐠

6. Belize

Sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize may be small, but its diving spots have as big a personality as other diving destinations do.  Belize houses a little over 400 islands, pristine atoll beaches, winding cave systems, the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere and of course, the famous Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole is one of Belize’s best places to scuba dive, and is actually a deep marine sinkhole, approximately 1000 feet across and 450 feet deep.  The hole itself is surrounded by a coral barrier and the waters here are known to be crystal clear.  Schools of shark, such as hammerheads, bull sharks and reef sharks make this area their home, and is considered by many as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Source: Best Places to Dive in Europe

Scuba diving in Europe gives you an experience of a lifetime while taking you back to a rich maritime history you never will find anywhere else in the world.  Europe is a preferred destination for holidaymakers especially those looking to showcase their skills in diving.  From its diversity coral to thousands of ancient shipwrecks and rich marine life, Europe has plenty to offer and you cannot exhaust its magnificent and dazzling seascapes in a matter of hours or even in a single day.

In fact, this continent’s underwater beauty is second to none making Europe a good diving destination stretching from the cooler waters of the Atlantic Ocean taking you south to the warm and refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea.  In this article, we are going to take you on a fact-finding mission about the best dive sites in Europe so you may have an easy time choosing the right one for you.

1. Playa Chica, Canary Islands (Spain)

Source: Safari Diving Lanzarote Puerto del Carmen Playa Chica Reef Dive

Playa Chica comes out clearly as one of the best dive sites in Europe and it is among those sites that are mostly frequented by divers from all walks of life.  This diving site is located in the Canary Islands and you can access it directly right from the beach.  Playa Chica is reputed for having everything all types of divers need.  You can venture deep down the white sands to have a look at the small wreck lying peacefully on the sand bed or explore the vertical walls to marvel at the marine life comprising of beautiful orange corals, frogfish and enormous barracuda among others.

As a matter of fact, Playa Chica is a perfect diving spot for you if you are a night diver because that’s when conditions are favorable to explore the turquoise waters teeming with all kinds of marine animals.

2. Normandy, France

Source: D-Day’s Sunken Secrets | NOVA

What comes into your mind at the mention of Normandy?  Well, the name itself takes you back to D-Day at the height of the Second World War and that’s when curiosity sets in.  Normandy offers the best diving spots for wreck divers who want to have a look at the underwater museum full of war wrecks.  These wrecks serve as a constant reminder of one of the epic stories that shaped Europe and the world in general.

If you are an advanced diver, Normandy scuba diving destination is quite perfect for you.  The wrecks are located off the coast at a depth averaging 75 to 100 feet when currents are moderate. Here, the unfolding sight of U-boats, Sherman tanks and the secret Schnellboot will immerse you into a historic past when anarchy was at its peak.  Most of the wrecks found in this spot allow you to penetrate through them or have swim through to a world of different kinds of marine life.  However, the wrecks are highly regarded as war graves and treasure hunting is not allowed.

3. Lundy Island, Bristol Channel (The United Kingdom)

Source: The Seals of Lundy Island

Lundy Island is known for its warmer waters that will expose you to a whole range of marine life comprising of sea fans, colorful sponges, a host of corals and many more.  As if that is not enough, this scuba diving site will give you an opportunity to take a few photos of basking sharks and grey seals as you enjoy the underwater picturesque scenery created by boulder screes.

Despite being one of the best dive sites in Europe, Lundy Island can pose some diving challenges to you.  So, it is a good idea to venture into these waters with an experienced and knowledgeable dive instructor.

4. Vis Island, Croatia

Source: Diving at Vis Island (Croatia)

Vis Island on the fringes of the Adriatic Sea is a scuba diving destination that holds vivid memories of several fierce battles that took place around that area.  As a diver, this site has plenty for you in terms of historic wrecks dating back to the last major world wars and even more.  The diving is excellent and you will have an opportunity to meet both technical and recreational divers with a common goal; to explore the wreckages dotting the sandy bottom of Adriatic sea.

From the wreck of the B-17G Flying Fortress (at 230 feet deep requiring technical skills and certification) to that of B-24 Liberator, the bomber Tulsamericana at the depth of 130, your diving mission will not be in vain given that the two wrecks are homes to all kinds of marine life within the Vis Island.  Some of the marvels of nature that you will encounter include the clouds of anthias whirls and yellow sponges among other features of great interest.

5. Dubnik, Slovakia

Source: Slovak Opal Mines diving – Slovenske Opalove Bane

Eastern Slovakia is home to the famous Slovak Opal Mine near Presov city.  The site is historically known for hosting scores and scores of treasure hunters back in the 16th century.  The treasure hunters were on a constant mission of digging deeper and deeper into the earth with the aim of uncovering valuable gemstones giving rise to one of the best dive sites in Europe comprising of tunnels and shafts that run for more than 13 miles.

The 3 miles of the tunnels and shafts are always flooded thus attracting hundreds of divers to the site.  That being said, your diving mission will take you down the corridors of those massive mines, bringing you closer to the breathtaking kaleidoscopic walls that glow in hues of pink, blue, purple, orange and green.

Apart from that, your dive will take you back in time and that is evident from the admirable handiwork carried out by miners back then.  The corridors will lead you to the cut out areas, above and below and then into the wide-open ballrooms.  In the real sense, the visibility in the cold 37° Fahrenheit waters at the Slovak Opal Mine is seemingly endless yet fulfilling in one of the most unique dive settings you can think of.

6. Portofino Lighthouse, Italy

Source: Scuba diving in Portofino (Italy)

Portofino Lighthouse is a strange landmark, giving you one of the most amazing and unique scenes especially when you are out for an early morning or evening dives.  This is the time when both morays and groupers converge to start their octopuses hunting expeditions.  And if you are part of divers, you will have to stay right at the bottom (about 40 feet) and wait to witness the groupers start their incursions immediately.  It is always an enjoyable sight that defines clearly survival for the fittest among different sea creatures.

7. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Source: Scuba Diving at Norwegian Sea | Lofoten Islands, Norway | Part 1

Norway provides one of the coldest diving spots in Europe with Lofoten Islands being famous for the kelp forests and a sizeable amount of well-preserved shipwrecks.  To reach this wonderful diving destination, you will need to use the boat or arrive there by the shore.

The island provides nice places to stay while strategizing for your upcoming diving mission.  Lofoten Island is ideal for on-surface experiences like trekking, fishing and interacting with amazing, like-minded people.  If you fancy taking your diving skills into cold waters, Lofoten Island in Norway is the place to be.

8. Maltese Islands

Source: DIVING IN MALTA & GOZO

You can find Maltese Islands in the Mediterranean and this location has three different diving spots at your disposal.  Each spot boasts of its uniqueness when it comes to diving adventures. Therefore, if you want to experience easy access diving into clear, warm waters under calm conditions, Maltese Island should be your first choice.  These unique diving spots will give you a relaxing dive or give you a reason to explore a variety of wrecks and caves available to you.

9. The Silfra Fissure, Iceland

Source: Diving Silfra Iceland | JONATHAN BIRD’S BLUE WORLD

Iceland too has something for you if you are looking for the best dive sites in Europe. The Silfra Fissure is regarded as one of the top scuba diving destinations not only in Europe but across the world. Why would you consider taking your diving skills to Silfra Fissure? First of all, this is the only spot in the entire world that you can dive between 2 continental plates. This is so amazing, right? Secondly, you can see well over 330 feet due to its outstanding viz. Next time you want to have a lifetime diving experience between two continental plates in Europe, and then you will have to consider visiting Silfra Fissure in Iceland to satisfy your curiosity.

10. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Source: Diving Scapa Flow, Scotland

This is home to Scapa Flow, a world-class diving site at the heart of Scotland.  Here, you will come across deep dives and reefs including the famous wrecks of all time.  The dive here is not for the faint-hearted because the waters are extremely chilly but nutrient-rich and a safe haven for a wide range of marine life.

It is no wonder that you are likely to encounter whales, porpoises, seals, puffins and of course, dolphins in large numbers while on your diving adventure.  The fact that there are other spectacular diving sites, Orkney is famous for the German ships lying on the sea bed of Scapa Flow.  In essence, this diving spot gives you an opportunity to travel back in time for every dive you make to explore those historic wrecks.  Clearly, you cannot afford to miss out on this one if you truly want to have a memorable experience in one of the best dive sites world over.

Final Thought

Europe has many interesting spots for scuba diving and each has its own uniqueness that you need to find out by yourself.  From historic sites to amazing physical features and clear waters to chilly waters all the way to marine life, Europe offers you a wide range of scuba diving places to choose for both recreational and technical diving.

Scuba divers are a passionate community who relish the peace of the underwater world and the unique marine animals roaming in the seas.  Seasoned adventurers will tell you that the sport does not have to be expensive.  There are plenty of affordable getaways across the world including:

Koh Tao, Thailand

The island of Koh Tao is among the regions making up the Chumphon Archipelago on Thailand’s western shores.  It is an idyllic island, complete with white sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, palm trees, and rugged cliffs.  Koh Tao is blessed with more than 25 sites, which can be assessed only by boat.  Most of the dive centers provide a two-dive trip, and you can choose to go in the morning or the afternoon.  Many of the dive boats have been fashioned from fishing boats and fitted with a sundeck for relaxation.

When it comes to the number of yearly diver certifications, Koh Tao only comes second to Cairns in Australia.  The island is appreciated for the affordability of scuba diving services.  A 3-day Open Water Course will typically set you back $250 to $300.  You will be spoilt for choice in singling out a diving school as they are over 60 of them in Koh Tao.  This enthusiasm for the sport creates an exciting environment for learners.

Source: TOP 10 Things to see Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Thailand

The cheap accommodation in Koh Tao further attracts water sport enthusiasts.  Most diving schools and resorts offer accommodation as part of the services, and even if you choose to book a room independently, there are many hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses.  The dives schools instruct in a variety of languages and styles.  The diving conditions are also diverse.  There are shallow and artificial sites for beginners and even a shipwreck for the more seasoned divers.

Bonaire

Bonaire is among the Caribbean islands and part of the Dutch Antilles.  The island has heavily protected its marine resources for over 35 years.  The reef scape features large sponges and sea fans. Bonaire’s marine life include tarpons, groupers, barracudas, and turtles.  Other subjects include butterfly fish, shrimp, crabs, eels, seahorses, octopus, peacock flounders, flamingo tongue cowries, and fireworms.

Source: Bonaire: Top Scuba Dive Sites

Bonaire has invested in shore diving.  It is predictable and not very deep (under 70 ft).  The dives sites are marked with a big yellow rock painted with the name of the site.  These rocks are easily recognizable as you drive along the main road.  Among Bonaire’s top dive sites is 1000 steps where you take numerous steps down to the beach.  The reef welcomes you with stunning coral formations and colorful marine life like barracudas.

The Klein Bonaire, a tiny offshore island, offers better visibility and hundreds of boat diving points.  It is uninhabited, and its incredible aquatic life encourages some divers to do all the scuba diving here.  The Salt Pier is easily accessible, and its pillars transform into underwater pieces of art due to colorful corals and sponges.  Huge Populations of fish are drawn to the shadows created by the overhead pier.

Utila, Honduras

If you are wondering where are the top 10 cheapest scuba diving destinations, look no further than Utila.  Utila’s southern region is home to a shallow fringing reefand deep seamounts.  The reef stretches for 5 miles with 15 prominent dive sites.  Dives begin at depths of 20 feet and drop to 40 to 60 feet with some reaching 100 to 130 feet.

Source: Diving in Utila – 2018

Popular sites include Jack Neil Beach, Pretty Bush, and Black Coral Wall.  The southern side is rich in marine life like spotted drums, seahorses, groupers, moray eels, and trunkfish.  The underwater region has amazing sights including mountains that emerge from the ocean floor and underwater hills.  The southern sites have vibrant coral coverage and higher fish diversity although the current can make for challenging dives.

The northern side has more exposure to the open ocean and has spectacular wall dives.  It features a protected marine area called Turtle Harbor.  The region’s topography features caverns, swim-throughs, and pinnacles.  The north side offers an increased probability of encountering marlin, sharks, dolphins, and whale sharks.  There are over 100 dive points in Utila which accommodate beginners, intermediaries, to expert divers.  The variety of sea life and cheap accommodation further makes Utila a perfect scuba-diving spot.

Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt

Not only is Sharm El-Sheikh a popular diving destination in Egypt, but in the Red Sea as well.  Warm year-round climatic conditions, historic wrecks, and colorful coral reefs, all add to the popularity of this spot.  The town as a simple Bedouin Camp before it was transformed into a bustling tourist center.

Among the area’s best dives sites is the wreckage of the SS Thistlegorm which sunk in 1941 during World War II.  It takes four hours from the shores to reach the wreck which still has two tanks, two locomotives, riffles, and motorbikes and populations of jacks and barracudas and so much more.  The Ras Mohammed National Park is another spot to check out.  Beautiful corals line its walls making for an unforgettable diving experience.  The Straits of Tiran is ideal for expert divers, and you can spot the Tiger and Hammerhead Sharks.

Source: Scuba Diving Sharm El Sheikh 2015

The beautiful wrecks and good underwater visibility in the region encourage underwater photography.  Sharm can get crowded, and you may opt to take a liveaboard to more isolated sites.  These liveaboards will not only take you to sites like the Thistlegorm but further North to less-explored wrecks.

PADI Open Water courses in Sharm average at around $360, making the town surprisingly affordable.  Egypt’s tourism has suffered recently because of safety concerns traced to increased terrorism and political tension.  Sharm El-Sheikh is, however, considered safe and still welcomes thousands of scuba diving enthusiasts.

Dauin, Philippines

The coastal paradise of the Philippines is a favored attraction among scuba diving communities.  Among the archipelago’s cheapest diving areas is Dauin which sits on Negros Island south of Dumaguete.  Entry-level courses are available at an average of $300 (PHP 16,500).

Dauin is teeming with dive sites, and macro-photographers will especially love the populations of seahorses, octopus, yellow snappers, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ring.  Dauin is ideal for shore diving as most marine life thrives in the inshore waters.  If you desire to see larger animals, you can opt to pay for boat dives to Apo Island.  The Dauin dive sites are especially favored by novices and intermediates.

Source: Diving at Dauin – Philippines 2016

Diving along the island is mostly resort-based, and you will likely be diving with any of the established resorts.  The climate averages at 30 degrees Celsius all year with the wet season running from June to November.  Diving is, however, possible all year.

Belize

Belize has curved itself as a tourism hub among its Central American neighbors.  Its jungle-like landscape coupled with its diving opportunities attract thousands of adventurers.  The Belize Barrier Reef is only second to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia in terms of sheer size.  The reef is 190 miles long at its longest distance from shore although it reaches 980 ft at its closest point.

Barrier reefs separate the land regions from deep waters and offer a shallower lagoon to protect the shores.  The deep waters are nutrient-rich, and they enhance the proliferation of corals on the reefs.  Belize’s reef system is a UNESCO heritage site and has seven marine reserves.

Source: Diving Belize 2019

Belize is more affordable than most of the Caribbean islands, and a lot of resorts offer accommodation and diving packages.  Scuba diving in Belize is not complete without a trip to the blue hole. This famous site is a large marine sinkhole that is 410 ft deep and 1000 ft in diameter.  The hole has clear waters to offer the best visibility for species like hammerheads and bull sharks.

Also situated in the Lighthouse Atoll is the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument which is often touted as the world’s most colorful wall dive, and is also a bird sanctuary.  The South Water Caye Marine Reserve offers a 7-mile long section of the barrier reef perfect for wall dives.  During the snapper and grouper breeding season, there are large populations of whale sharks.  Sponges, corals, and reef fish also thrive in the deep waters.

The Shark Ray Alley is a great site for snorkeling.  This plateau of sand was commonly used by fishermen to clean their catches.  The chum they discarded populations of marine life including sharks.  The season for the whale shark runs from March to May which attracts many divers.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

Sipadan is among the best diving sites in Borneo due to its pristine reefs and underwater biodiversity.  It can be accessed from Semporna town by taking an hour-long boat ride.  Sipadan is a volcanic pinnacle dropping 2000 feet to the sea floor.  Hawksbill and green turtles are visible in the shallow waters.

Sipadan hosts schools of barracuda, parrot fish, jackfish.  If you are lucky, you might spot sealife like manta rays, hammerheads, and whale sharks.  The cleaning stations attract populations of sharks while the coral formations host impressive macro-species including Pygmy Seahorses and Mandarin fish.

Source: Sipadan: The Best Day’s Diving on Earth | Borneo from Below (S01E03)

The Sipadan Barrier Reef ranks as the largest of its kind in South East Asia, and it offers wall dives with drops to more than 1600 ft.  Sipadan boasts of unique topography, and it hosts excellent dive sites.  You can not, however, stay on the island.  Most of the resorts sit an hour away in Kapalai and Mabul islands.

Divers will need permits from the Sabah Parks as the island is patrolled by guards.  This requirement has been necessitated by the government’s efforts to alleviate the stress placed on marine life. Most resorts give preference to tourists signed up for longer stays.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is a perfect spot to experience the incredible Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is characterized by towering corals inhabited by rich sea life.  Some of the area’s most beautiful reefs are hosted in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park.  The island is a mere 30 by 10 miles, and it is christened the “Island of the Swallows.”  It prides in over 500 fish species and 26 coral species.  Divers will typically spot eels, nurse sharks, turtles, groupers, and toadfish.

Source: AMAZING DRIFT SCUBA DIVING COZUMEL MEXICO MAY 2016

The island’s southernmost reefs host coral heads containing tube, vase, elephant ear, rope, and other colorful sponges.  The heads provide a channel of swim throughs and channels with depth and vibrant colors.  The northern reefs are shallower and have small fish and inverts.  Open water fish love the waters here including jacks and barracuda.

The depth range in Cozumel’s sites is between 33 to 131 ft.  Dive sites to visit include Columbia Deep, Palancar Reef, and Barracuda Reef.  You can get open water courses for a little over $300 or opt for packages with accommodation from the various resorts.

Curacao

Curacao lies north of Venezuela and is among the Caribbean islands.  Most of its dive sites are reachable from shore and are protected from strong currents.  Curacao enjoys good weather all year and is mostly left untouched during the hurricane season of the Caribbean.  The calmest weather runs from April to June with its dry season running from April to November.

Source: Scuba Diving Curaçao | The Best Kept Secret in the Caribbean | Dive Curacao Vlog

One of Curacao’s renowned dive site is Alice in Wonderland which is a mini-wall stretching down to depths of 60 ft.  The site gets its name from the colorful reef fish inhabiting the coral formations.  Another dive site to experience is the “valley” formed between two parallel reefs.  The reefs drop for 50 and 60 feet and host lobsters, turtles, and nurse sharks.

The Superior Producer is an excellent wreck site which lies at depths of 100 ft, and you can enter its cargo holds.  Groupers and anemones are plenty at this wreck.

Croatia

The answer to where are the top 10 cheapest scuba diving destinations lies in Croatia which lies along the Adriatic Coast.  It is not as visited as some of its neighbors which makes it especially affordable.  It is well-served by major airlines although local transport can get a little unreliable.

Source: Croatia – Dugi otok | scuba diving 2017

Croatia prides in 1000 islands dotting its coast which are characterized by canyons, reefs, and underwater caverns.  There are also numerous wrecks to dive through.  The waters surrounding the island of Vis host numerous WW1 and WW2 shipwrecks including a B-17 bomber.

Kvarner, situated on the northern side, is among the most stunning gulfs on the Adriatic.  Diving is possible all year due to favorable warm waters.  The underwater region of the gulf has breathtaking wall dives as well as rocky reefs littered with beautiful gorgonians.  The beauty of Croatia is that you get to immerse in the wonders of the Mediterranean and not pay hefty prices.

 

Did you know that despite the fact that scuba diving is considered to be one of the most dangerous activities in the world, millions of people get scuba diving certifications every ear?  With the growing number of scuba divers, the scuba diving industry, which is currently a multi-billion dollar industry, is likely to reach the billion-dollar mark.

The level of danger associated with scuba diving can be used to explain why this activity is so popular.  The adrenalin rush you get while at it is just something else.  Apart from the usual day scuba dive, have you considered night scuba dive?  A night scuba dive is very different from the day scuba dive because the underwater scene is very different at night.  If you have not made up your mind yet about engaging in night scuba dive, below are some of the advantages of night scuba dive you need to consider.

Advantages of night Scuba dive

Less crowded

Scuba diving at night gives you the chance to enjoy the dive without many distractions from beach goers, snorkelers and surfers.  You get to have the waters all by yourself.  With the less distraction, you can fully explore the marine life.

More marine life

So many marine lives hide during the day and only come out at night.  These include the octopus, eels and lobsters. Besides coming out at night to swim, these creatures engage in various behaviors, which is amazing to watch.

Besides these amazing creatures, there are many other good things to see at night.  In addition, the behavior of the other day creatures change once it gets dark.  The way these creatures behave during the night is not similar to the way they behave at night.

One amazing thing about marine life is bioluminescence.  Bioluminescence happens when a living organism produces and emits light.  This stunning phenomenon can only be experienced during a night scuba dive.  The tiny plankton organisms found underwater give off the light when they are in motion.

There is so much to see at night that you do not even have to swim so far to encounter stunning marine life.

Clear sound and vision

At night there are less man made sounds due to the fact that there is less distractions at night.  With the calm and quite of the night, you get to experience very different sounds.

In addition to clear sounds, the vision is also amazing at night especially if you have a good light during a night dive.  The use of white flashlights, whether LED or HID gives you the opportunity to see the actual colors of the marine life.  Besides, there is no light coming from outside to interfere with the real colors hence you get to be in a world full of real colors.

Safer and peaceful

If you take the dive with your buddy (which always is recommended), you are at a better place to come to their aid or vice versa, in case of an emergency because you are able to see each other’s lights.  In case of an emergency, you or your dive partner can simply shake the lights to signify the need for help.  You cannot miss the lights so you are able to get quick assistance during the night as compared to the day.

Precautions when diving at night

Having looked at the advantages of night diving, it is clear that night scuba diving is so much fun.  However, the increased fun and adventure also comes with its own share of danger.  Therefore, if you are planning to go for a night scuba dive, there are certain precautions that you have to consider first.  Below are some of the precautions.

Take shallow dives

When diving at night, it is safer for you to take shallower dives compared to the dives you take during the day.  This is because, navigating at night is not easy as during the day.  For instance, you may find it hard to detect a sloping bottom at night.  Also, remember to go really slow to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

The spot you choose for the night scuba dive has to one that is easily accessible in the dark.  This will ensure that you promptly get the assistance you need in case of any mishaps.  In addition, the site with an easy entry and exit is recommended especially if you have to take your dive equipment with you in the water.

Pick a familiar dive site

Not only is a familiar site easy to navigate, you also get to see the changes that occur in the marine life at night.  If you dived in the site during the day, diving in the same site at night gives you the opportunity to have a complete experience of the marine life.

Marine life undergoes massive changes from day to night so scuba diving at night in the same site you scuba dived during the day gives you the chance to experience the massive changes. Furthermore, if it is your first time to scuba dive at night, then you definitely have to consider a familiar site first before exploring new sites.

Consider the current

When choosing the site to undertake the night scuba dive, it is advisable to pick a site with as little current as possible so that you can be in control while underwater.  If the site has very strong currents, you will be concentrating on controlling yourself rather than enjoying the experience of the night dive.  As mentioned, it is not entirely safe to be underwater at night so you definitely need to be alert while underwater.  Regardless of your physical ability, strong currents can ruin your experience so it is best to pick a site with minimal currents.

Conclusion

In order to get the full picture of the marine life, you need to have a look at it over an entire day.  If you have scuba dived during the day, you need to experience the marine life at night too.  The good thing is that even if you have not scuba dived before, you can accomplish both day and night scuba dive in one day.  Alternatively, you can start with a night scuba dive just be ready for the amazingly beautiful marine life that awaits you.